Football training apparatus



3 Sheets-SheetA 1 42/ 4272/0@ frzfL 4,0/ INVENTOR.

ArazA/YS A. F. Dl-:Tvzl-:L

FOOTBALL TRAINING APPARATUS Jan. 21, 1958 Filed Nov. 27, 1956 A BY A IVG. j

Jan. 2l, 1958 A. F. DETzEL FOOTBALL TRAINING APPARATUS Filed NOV. 27, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. /e ETZE BY A TTZ/VE YS Jan.'21, 1958 l l A. F. DETZEL 2,820,365

' FOOTBALL TRAINING APPARATUS 2% m., wm

` ArTaZ/VEKS United States Patent O FOOTBALL TRAINING APPARATUS Arthur F. Detzel, Beaver Falls, Pa.

Application November 27, 1956, Serial No. 624,638

8 Claims. (Cl. 73-380) This invention relates generally to athletic equipment and is more particularly concerned with novel athletic training apparatus for developing reilexes of football players during a blocking maneuver.

A primary object of invention is to provide a blocking-skid incorporating an impact member engageable by a football player on a given signal, said blocking-skid including a timing assembly actuatable upon said given signal and incorporating signal means activated after a given period of elapsed time from the period when a timing assembly is actuated, the impact member of the blocking-skid including force-transmitting means including means permitting the signal means to be activated and also preventing activation thereof due to a slow reaction on the part of the football player, or a false or early start by the football player prior to actuation of the timing assembly, this simulating a position when the football player is otl side.

A further object of invention in conformance with that set forth is to provide novel athletic training apparatus of the character involved including recording means operatively connected to the force-transmitting means of an impact member for determining the relative applied force imposed on the impact member by a charging football player.

Still further objects of invention and advantages thereof reside in the specic structural details of the novel athletic training apparatus and the manner in which they cooperate to give rise to the novel functions heretofore set forth.

And yet another object of invention in conformance with that set forth is to provide athletic training apparatus of the character involved which is relatively simple in construction, easily adjusted and maintained, and highly satisfactory and practical for the purpose intended.

These together with other objects and advantages which will subsequently become apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure l is a side elevation view of the novel athletic training apparatus;

Figure 2 is a top plan view of said athletic training apparatus;

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical section view taken substantially on line 3 3 of Figure l;

Figure 4 is an elevation view taken substantially on line 4 4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary plan view taken substantially on line 5 5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a further enlarged fragmentary section view taken substantially on line 6 6 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a horizontal section view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially on line 7 7 of Figure l;

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Figure S is a further enlarged fragmentary section view taken substantially on line 8 8 of Figure 2; and

Figure 9 is a fragmentary section view taken substantially on line 9 of Figure 8.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the novel athletic training apparatus is indicated generally at l0, said apparatus comprising a blocking-skid indicated generally at l2 including a suitable conventional skid plate 14 of metal or any other suitable material, said skid plate being slidingly engageable with the ground surface G as is conventional in equipment of the character involved. The skid plate 14 has extending in diverging relationship from a central portion thereof and extending beyond its forward edge 16 a pair of suitably secured support arms 13 and Ztl each of which terminating in an integral upwardly opening bifurcated support portion ZZ, see Figure l. Suitably secured in vertically extending relationship at their lower ends are elongated support members 24 and 26 disposed in diverging and overlying relationship relative to the arms 18 and 20, respectively, the support members 24 and 26 terminate in a down wardly opening bifurcated support portion 28, see Figure l, and extending transversely through the bifurcated portions 22 and 28 are suitable support shafts 30 and 32, respectively, which have journaled thereon opposite ends of a suitably formed leaf spring 34 extending vertically forwardly of the skid plate 14. Suitably secured on an intermediate portion of the leaf spring 34 is a shock absorbing plate 36 of rubber or any suitable material which has juxtaposed thereon and secured thereto in any suitable manner a vertically extending suitably padded impact member 38,

The heretofore -described structure is that conventionally found in blocking-skids presently utilized for the purpose of training football players, and although the exemplary embodiment discloses a pair of impact members, the novel features of the invention to subsequently become apparent may be readily incorporated on a blocking-skid of the conventional character incorporating but a single impact member.

ln order to facilitate the proper orientation of a football player relative to the apparatus i. e. the impact member representing an opponent to be blocked, one or both of the support portions 22 may incorporate therebeneath a forwardly opening tubular sleeve portion 40, see Figure l, which telescopically receives therein a suitable rneasuring stick 42, suitably secured and positioned wherein the terminal end portion thereof locates the approximate distance a football player will be located relative to an opponent to be blocked represented by the aforementioned impact member.

Extending vertically in suitably secured relationship at their opposite ends between the upper surface of the skid plate and an intermediate portion of the support members 24 and 26 are suitable brace bars 44 and d6, respectively. Extending horizontally in suitably secured relationship at its opposite ends on intermediate portion of said bars 44 and 46 is a vertically disposed support plate 48. Extending vertically in suitably secured relationship from the upper surface of the skid plate is a vertical support bar 5t) having suitably secured at its upper ends an intermediate portion of a downwardly opening U-cross sectioned channel support member indicated generally at 52 which includes mutually parallel side anges 54 and 56 integral with a transverse horizontally disposed web 5S. The end of member 52 adjacent plate 43 is suitably secured thereto in any suitable manner, by means of welding, for example. The support bar 50 has extending transversely therebetween and secured in any suitable manner to an intermediate portion thereof a vertically disposed support plate 60 which has extending laterally from an intermediate substantially central portion thereof a vertically extending support plate 62 which extends toward that portion of the apparatus opposite the impact members and defined as the rear of the apparatus. The plate 62 is transversely vapertured and receives therethrough a laterally extending suitable support bolt assembly da supporting thereon suitable signal means 66 such as a bell, for example, providing audible signal means which will be rung if the football player utilizing the apparatus executes a proper blocking maneuver. Extending transversely through the web 5S on the channel support member 572 and overlying the signal means 66 is a suitable aperture portion 6B permitting the upper surface of the signal means to be exposed when the aforementioned proper blocking maneuver' is accomplished.

rfhe signal means is a constituent part of a timing assembly indicated generally at 70. The timing assembly tl incorporates a lower downwardly extending cylindrical housing 72 suitably secured on the upper surface of the web 58 and incorporating in the lower edge thereof overlying the aperture 68 a diametrical cut-out portion 7d. The housing 72 incorporates a transverse upper wall 76, see Figure 3, incorporating a transverse aperture 7S therethrough which has suitably secured therein a tubular guide sleeve 8@ directly disposed in overlying relationship relative to the upper surface of the signal means 66. The sleeve incorporates a longitudinally extending slot portion 82 opening through one side thereof. Circumposed about the sleeve Sil for reciprocable movement thereon is a support sleeve member 84 incorporating transversely therethrough a hand manipulable loci; screw assembly 6 diametrically opposed to the slot 82, if preferred, for retaining the collar 3d in various positions of vertical adjustment relative to the sleeve 8d. Extending laterally from the collar Sd, diametrically opposed to the lock screw assembly 8d, if preferred, is a housing 86' incorporating an end wall 3S in spaced relationship from the outer surface of the collar ii/l. The end wall 8S and opposed side of the collar 84 incorporate aligned bore portions therethrough reciprocaoly receiving a support or latch pin 9i), a terminal end portion 92 of which extending through the longitudinal slot 82 and releaseably supporting in the tubular sleeve Si) a suitable striker element 94, such as a ball bearing or the like which when released will descend toward the signal means 66. Thus without describing further structure, the striker element will freely fall therethrough, see Figure 3, wherein said striker element is shown by means of dotted lines, and accordingly a predetermined increment of elapsed time will `be constituted Vby Vthe period which it takes the striker element 94 to descend through the tubular sleeve il@ come into striking engagement with the signal means 66. Obviously, the period of clasped time may be altered by vertically adjusting the collar 84 as is readily apparent 1oy manipulating the assembly 86.

The pin 9d incorporates on an intermediate portion thereof a suitably secured abutment element 9d in engagement with one end of a compression spring 98 circumposed about the pin 9G, the other end of said spring being in engagement with the inner surface of wall d. The compression spring 3 is effective to urge the pin 9@ into the previously mentioned longitudinal slot 82.

Depending from the housing Se in spaced relationship on opposite sides thereof are a pair of horizontally disposed support arms lull, see Figure 3 again, having extending transversely of suitably apertured end portions thereof a support shaft 1632 rotatably mounting thereon a vertically pivotal l.-shaped lever indicated generally at 104, said lever liti@ incorporating -a leg portion N26 including a transverse enlarged aperture 108 through which the pin 9u extends. The pin 9u incorporates an enlarged head portion 1l@ engageable on the side of the leg 06 opposite the housing 86 and the aperture 108 provides a lost motion connection permitting vertical pivotal movement l of the lever 104 relative to the pin 90. Thus if the lever 104 were rotated in the direction indicated by the arcuate dotted direction arrow in Figure 3 the terminal end 92 of the pin Stil will permit the striker element 94 to freely fall in the tubular sleeve 80.

A vertically reciprocable actuating rod 112 is disposed substantially parallel with the sleeve 8), an intermediate portion of which extending through a suitable 'aperture in leg 114 of the lever 104. The rod 112 incorporates in circurnposed suitably secured adjusted relationship about an intermediate portion thereof an ,abutment collar 116 engageable with the upper surface of the leg lid. The rod 3.12 may have suitably secured on the upper end portion thereof a knob or handle 118 permitting said rod to be depressed by applying force thereon by ones hand on a given signal, said signal being comparable to the time when a football is centered and put into play. Downward movement of the rod lf2 will accordingly result in clockwise rotation of the lever 104 as viewed in Figure 3 and when this occurs the striker element 9d will be permitted to descend toward the signal means 66. Suitably secured in laterally extending relationship from one side of the housing 72 and incorporating a transverse suitable aperture portion therethrough is a guide bracket l2 through which an intermediate portion of the rod lf2 extends. Circumposed about an intermediate portion of the rod M2 with one end in engagement with the bracket l2@ is a suitable compression or return spring 122 the tension of which being adjusted by means of an adjustable retaining collar 12d in engagement with the upper end of the spring l22. Thus if the rod 112 is depressed as previously mentioned, after force is no longer applied the spring 122 will be effective to raise the rod in the position shown in Figure 3.

The housing 72 has extending in suitably secured relationship thereon a U-shaped support bracket indicated generally at 126, see Figure 4, opposite legs L28 and 13d of which incorporating aligned aperture portions having journaled therethrough suitably secured support shaft 132. The shaft lL32 has integral therewith and extending radially from an intermediate portion thereof a lever element 134, see Figure 3, temrinating in a transversely apertured end portion .i3d through which an intermediate portion of the rod lf2 extends, said portion being disposed above Vthe collar l24. Disposed on opposite sides of the apertured end portion 136 of the lever i345 are suitable adjustable retaining collars 138 and 140. Fixedly secured on one end of the shaft 1,32 is a force-transmitting lever ifi-2 connected at its terminal end to a suitable flexible forcejtransmitting element M4 such as a rope, chain or the like, and accordingly by applying force in the direction indicated by the dotted direction arrow adjacent thereto as seen in Figure 3, the actuating rod 112 will be depressed. Thus, the force-transmitting element lddmay be actually secured to a football to develope football players defensive and offensive reactions, and when the football is centered a football player utilizing the apparatus will move toward one of the impact members upon the centering of said football this accordingly improving and developing his reflexes in response to a condition simulating putting the ball in playf The leaf springs 3d incorporate on an intermediate portion opposite the impact members 38 a suitably secured bracket element 146 incorporating a rearwardly extending transversely apertured flange portion having a mounting pin 14S extending therethrough. Mounted on. the pin 148 is a bifurcated end portion 156 of a rearwardly extending force-transmitting rod 152 comprised of a pair of longitudinally aligned sections connected at adjacent ends by means of a suitable turnbuckle or adjusting sleeve 154. The support plate 4S incorporates at opposite ends angular bend portions 156 substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the force-transmitting rod 152 and having extend-ing therethrough a suitable transverse aper ture through which the rod 152 extends. A portion of the rod 152 extending through the ends 156 of the support plate 48 incorporate an angular bend portion 158', thus the terminal end portions of the rod 152 as indicated at 160 and 162 extend longitudinally of the support plate 48 toward each other and terminating in spaced relationship. The terminal end portions 160 and 162 of the force-transmitting rod 152 are disposed for rectilinear movement immediately above the upper surface of the Web 58 of channel support member 52. Thus each of the impact members 38 when struck by a charging football player will cause independent movement of a respective force-transmitting rod 152.

The portion of the force-transmitting rod 152 adjacent the end 156 of the support plate has circumposed thereabout a suitable reciprocable marking block element 164 alignable with a suitable indicia scale 166 the outer surface of said portion of the force-transmitting rod 152. As seen in Figure 7, the marking element 164 is normally disposed in the dotted line position shown on the lower l' portion of Figure 7, and when force is applied on the impact member 38 adjacent the dotted direction arrow, the force-transmitting rod 152 will move in a leftward direction as the spring 34 is overcome, and uponrelease of such force the marking block element 164 will be disposed, for example, in the solid line position shown in Figure 7. Thus a relative measurement of the amount of force applied on the impact member 38 may be obtained inasmuch as two different players may subject the impact members to different amounts of force when conducting a blocking maneuver.

Suitably secured on the upper surface of web 58 of the channel support member 52 is a guide block element 168 incorporating a longitudinally extending bore portion therethrough in spaced alignment with terminal end portions 160 and 162 of the force-transmitting rods 152. Reciprocably supported in the bore of the guide block element 168 is a rod o-r bar member 170 which extends toward and adjacent to the housing 72 of the timing assembly 76. Suitably secured in angularly extending relationship on the upper surface of the bar 170 adjacent the cut-out portion 74 of said housing 72 is a baille plate 172 which is normally interposed between the lower open end of the tubular sleeve and the upper surface of the signal means 66, see Figure 3. Thus when the baffle plate 172 is moved to the dotted line position shown in Figure 7, for example, the striker element 94 may strike the signal means 66 in the manner indicated in Figure 3, for example, however, when the bale'plate 172 is interposed between the tubular sleeve 80 and the signal means 66 the striker element 94 will be prevented from striking the signal means 66, also shown by means of dotted lines in Figure 3.

The bar 170 has extending vertically from an intermediate portion thereof a suitably secured support pin 'f 174, see Figure 5, which has secured thereon in any suitable manner one end of a suitable leaf spring element 176, the opposite end of which being engageable with an adjacent portion of the guide block element 168. Thus movement of the bar 170 to a position wherein the bale element 172 moves to the dotted line position shown in Figure 7 will cause the leaf spring element 176 to be compressed, said spring element 176 being effective to urge the bar 170 toward its solid line position shown in the drawing upon the release force being applied on bar 170. Accordingly, the spring element 176 constitutes a return spring means for the bar 170, and any suitable equivalent may be incorporated for this purpose.

The forward end of the bar 170, that which is adjacent the terminal end portions and 162 of the force-transmitting rod, is indicated at 178, see Figure 6, and is engageable thereby when force is applied on the impact members 38. The bar has extending transversely therethrough a vertically disposed bore portion 180 reciprocably receiving therein a vertically displaceable aszoe headed stop pin element 182 incorporating a lower end portion 184 extending through an enlarged aperture portion 186 in the underlying portion of the web 58 of the channel support member 52. The stop pin 182 will normally prevent rectilinear movement of the bar 178, and the baffle plate integral therewith from beneath the lower open end of the tubular sleeve 80 for the purpose heretofore described.

The flanges 54 and 56 of the channel support member 52 incorporate transversely therebetween a suitably secured support shaft 188 which is in underlying longitudinally spaced relationship from aperture 186, also shown in Figure 6 in detail. Suitably secured on an intermediate portion of the support shaft 188 in substantial planar alignment with the aperture 186 is a radially extending lift lever element 190, being secured thereon by means of a suitable lock screw 192, for example. The lift lever element 190 incorporates an integral abutment portion 194 underlying the terminal end of the stop pin 182 and accordingly when the lever 190 is rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 6 the lock pin 182 will be vertically disposed permitting rectilinear movement of the bar 17 0.

The support shaft 188 terminates at opposite ends on opposite sides of the flanges 54 and 56 and has suitably secured ou the end adjacent the iiange 54 a tubular sleeve 196 of a rearwardly directed radially extending abutment lever 198, said sleeve 196 having extending transversely therethrough for engagement with the outer periphery of the shaft 188 a Suitable lock screw 200, see for example Figures l and 5. The function of the abutment lever 198 will subsequently become apparent and be described in detail relative to the structure with which it cooperates. As seen in Figures 4 and 5, the shaft 188 has suitably secured thereon a L-shaped leved 202 including a lower forwardly directed leg 204 and a vertically extending leg 206. The lever 202 is disposed adjacent the outer surface of the flange 54, the lower or forwardly directed leg 204 is retained in the position shown in Figure 4, for example, by means of a laterally extending abutment plate 208 suitably secured at one end beneath the leg 204 and the arcuate path of counter clockwise movement of said leg 204. The plate 208 has an upwardly extending integral flange 210 having secured thereon one end of a suitable tension spring 212, the other end of which extending through a suitably aperatured upper end portion of the leg 206. The tension spring 212 is effective to urge the aforementioned leg 204 in a counter clockwise direction for abutting the plate 208.

As most clearly seen in Figures 4 and 7, the flanges 54 and 56 have extending laterally therefrom in longitudinally spaced relationship from the shaft 188 a suitably secured support shaft 214 which has suitably journaled thereon a tubular support sleeve 216 incorporat- 1ng a rearwardly extending lever or leg portion 218, the terminal end of which, see Figure 4, underlying the lower end of the actuating rod 112 for movement therewith about the shaft 214 when the signal assembly is activated. The sleeve 216 has extending in angular relationship from the leg 218 a vertically extending leg portion 228 havingextending laterally therefrom on a suitable pivot pin element 222 extending transversely therethrough a support block 224 which incorporates a longitudinally extending bore through opposite ends. Reciprocably supported on the support block 224 is an elongated suitably conformed force-transmitting rod 226, the forward end of which being angulated and extending through a transverse aperture portion extending through an intermediate portion of the previously mentioned leg 206 of lever 202 as indicated at 228. The rod 226 has suitably secured on its rear end portion an adjustable abutment nut 230, and circurnposed on said rod 226 between the element 224 and said abutment nut 230 is a suitable compression or return spring 232. Thus when the actuating rod 112 is depressed for activating the signal assembly, leg or lever 2id will be rotated nin a clockwise direction .aS viewed in Figure 4, spring 232 will be compressed, `shaft T133 will be rotated in a clockwise direction, and when this occurs lever i90 will also rotate in a clockwise direction wherein the abutment portion 194 thereof will engage the stop pin 182 freeing the bar 17.0 for rectilinear movement as previously described. lf the bar 170 is freed in the manner just described, engagement of a football player with the impact member 3S will result in movement of the baille plate l72 permitting the striker element 91.4 to engage the signal means 66. However, if the football players reaction is slow the striker element 9d will strike the baffle plate 172 and be cast toward the left as shown by the dotted lines in Figure 3. Obviously, if tac football player engages one of the impact members prior to a given signal simulating the centering of a football the lock pin lZ will not have been vertically displaced inasmuch as downward movement of the rod 112 simulates the condition of the centering of a football and accordingly the signal means, being audible in this instance, will not se permitted to ring due to the inner position of the baille plate ll72 between the striker element in the signal means. Means are provided for preventing an early or false start by a football player, his to subsequently be described in detail and incorporatn tle abutment lever T193 previously mentioned.

ably secured in horizontally extending relationship on c upper end of support portions 2S previously mentioned, tubular support sleeves 234 which have extending forwardly therefrom suitably secured a longitudi ly aligned sleeve 236, seel Figures 1 and 2. Telesco cally received in the rear end of sleeve 234 and itudinally adjustable therein by means of a suitable hand manipulatable lock screw 23S is tubular sleeve 240. Depending from the terminal end of the tubular sleeve 236 "s a support plate 242 disposed adjacent a longitudinally extending slot 244 as clearly seen in Figure l. The plate 242 has extending transversely therethrough a pivot pin 246 having intermediately pivoted thereon vtically pivotal lever 248, the lower end portion of which being suitably secured thereto a depending semillexible rod element 25d disposed in the path of movement of the football player when the same is moving toward impact member 38. The sleeve 240 has extending re Wardly therefrom a pair of spaced support stra s 252, which have extending transversely therea suitably secured support shaft 254. lournaled nait is a suitable idler pulley 256. Suitably .g on the secur d at the upper end of the lever 248 as indicated at 2 sce Figure l, is one end of a flexible force-transmitti wire, cable or the like indicated at 260, an intermediate portion of which being entrained over the idler pulley 256.

Extending transversely through suitable apertured portions of the flanges 54 and 56 adjacent a rear end portion of the channel support member 252 is a suitably secured support shaft 262, see Figures 3 and 4, for example, terminal end portions of said shaft 262 extending beyond the llanges 543- and S6 and having suitably secured on end portions thereof rearwardly directed levers 264i. The opposite end of the flexible force-transmitting member or elcment 25d is suitably secured to the terminal end of the levers 26d. Suitably secured on an intermediate portion of the shaft adjacent the flange 54, see Figure 3, is a vertically extending lever 266 which will rotate in a clockwise direction, see Figure l, when the football player engages one or the other of the rod elements 250 when moving into engagement with an impact member 3S. The lever 266 incorporates at its upper end laterally extending pivotal support block elements 26S transversely apertured and receiving therethrough an intermediate portion of an elongated abutment rod 27d. The flange 5d has extending laterally therefrom vertically pivotal suitably supported guide blocks 272 through which intermediate portions of the almtment rod 270 `are reci-procably supported. The terminal end portion 274 `of the rod 270 when moved forwardly toward the abutment lever 19S will overlie the same and prevent counter clockwise movement thereof when the support shaft 188 is rotated .due to forward movement of the rod 226 in the manner previously described. However, if the shaft 188 has been rotated through the medium of the actuating rod 112 prior to the forward movement of the rod 270 the abutment lever 198 will move to the dotted line position shown in Figure l, the stop pin iSd will have been vertically displaced and rearward rectilinear movement of the bar 170 will be per mitted. The rod 270 has secured on the rear end thereof a suitably retaining nut 276. The rod 276) has extending transversely therethrough a .suitable abutment pin which is rearwardly disposed the rearwardmost element 272, and a suitable compression return spring 28d is circumposed about an intermediate portion ofthe rod 27 il between the abutment pin 278 and the aforementioned element 272. Forward movement of the rod 270 results in compression of the spring 28) whereafter the same is effective to return the rod to the solid line position shown in Figure 7, for example. Thus if a football player makes a false start engaging the rod 250 prior to depression of the rod 112 in the manner previously mentioned, he will dispose the terminal end 274 of the abutment rod 27 over the abutment lever 298 and accordingly prevent rectilinear movement of bar 170 which would permit the striker element 94 to strike the signal means 66.

In .a properly executed blocking maneuver at a given signal the football player moves toward one of the impact members, the stop pin 182 having been vertically disposed prior to said player actuating the abutment rod 259, accordingly permits the force applied on one of the impact members 38 to displace the baille member or element 5.72, and if the football players movement is prior to the period of elapsed time required for the striker element 9-/5 to hit the signal means, the signal means 66 will be permitted to ring. During this maneuver, a relative amount of applied force may be determined by observing the element 164 relative to the indicia 166 previously described in detail.

Indicated generally at 282 is an assembly cooperating with the signal assembly for the purpose of improving a football players reflexes relative to the maneuver commonly called a forearm shiver. This maneuver is of the character wherein the football player forcibly' places the palms of his hands against an opponents chest. This is a maneuver generally accomplished by a defensive player, for example. The support member 48 incorporates a pair of transversely space-d L-shaped suitably secured bracket elements 284, see Figure 7, for example, which incorporate aligned transverse apertures horizontally therethrough. A pair of vertically extending support rods 236 incorporate lower angulated end portions rotatablyl supported by the bracket elements 284. The arms 2% are integrated with a transverse bight portion 288, see Figure 9, for example. An impact member is indicated generally at 2,90 incorporating a vertically disposed plate portion 292 normally engaged by the football player during the forearm shiver maneuver, said plate 292 continuing in a horizontal top plate portion 294 extending rearwardly of the apparatus. A pair of spaced .l-bolts 7.96 incorporate a lower leg 298, the terminal end portions of which being suitably secured at 30d to a rearwardly extending transverse flange 302 of plate 292. A leg 394 of the J-bolts are suitably secured at 396 adjacent the rear edge of the top plate portion 294. Although not shown, if desired, the impact member may be suitably padded if desired. Extending transversely through the vertical plate 292 in a suitable apertured portion therethrough is a retaining bolt assembly 308 retaining on said plate 222 a transversely disposed suitable leaf spring Sill opposite ends of which indicated at 312, see Figure 9, abuttingly engaging the previously mentioned suisort legs c4 and 45.

Extending vertically in suitably secured relationship from an intermediate portion of the legs 44 and 46 and an intermediate portion of the respective members 24 and 26 are bowed retaining straps 314 which prevent excessive forward movement of the impact member 2.92. Suitably secured on a rear undersurface portion of the top plate 294 is a vertically extending strap member 316 which has extending rearwardly therefrom at a central portion thereof a suitably secured force-transmitting rod 318 incorporating in an intermediate portion thereof a semirigid flexible coupling 320. Thus as force is applied on the impact plate or member 292 in the direction indicated by the dotted direction arrow of Figure 8, the force-transmiting rod 318 will move toward the left as viewed in Figure 8. The force-transmiting rod 318 incorporates a depending portion 322 terminating in a lower horizontally directed portion 324, an intermediate portion of which extending through a suitable guide block 32d secured on the upper surface of web 58 of the channel support member 52. Thus the portion 324 of the rod 318 moves in a rectilinear path substantially parallel to the bar 17@ when for-ce is applied on the impact member 292. The bar 170 has extending laterally from an intermediate portion thereof a suitably secured abutment rod 33@ disposed in the path of rectilinear movement of the force-transmitting rod 318 and accordingly as said ro-d moves rearwardly the bar 170 will move rearwardly disposing the bafde element 172 in the manner previously described to permit activation of the signal means 66. Inscribed on portion 324 of forcetransmitting rod 318 are suitable indicia 332. This portion of the rod has circumposed thereabout a freely reciprocable gauge element 334 engaging the element 328 due to rearward movement of the force-transmitting rod 318 functioning in the identical manner as gauge elements 164 previously described in detail. This expedient permits relative comparison of the force applied by different football players on the impact member 292. rl`he liexible coupling 320 is provided in the force-transmitting rod 318 to accommodate for the slight upward movement of the impact member 292 on the support arms d when the same is struck by a football player.

Obviously, the assembly 282 functions with the signal assembly in the manner similar to the previously described structure relative to the impact members 38.

Briefly summarizing, the heretofore disclosed apparatus Will not permit the signal means to be activated due to a slow reaction inasmuch as the striker element 94 will have already fallen on the baflle element 172 if the football player has not moved fast enough. If the football player reacts too fast simulating a off side condition i. e. prior to depression of the actuating rod M2, he will move the abutment rod 270 to a position wherein the baffle plate can not be disposed from beneath the path of travel of the striker element 94. When the football player reacts properly i. e. after a given signal, the bar 170 will be free for rectilinear movement and application of force on the impact members 33 will dispose the plate element 172 to a position wherein the striker element 94 will cause an audible signal to be emitted from the signal means 66. Additionally, the assembly 282 may be utilized for improving the reactions of the football player during the aforementioned forearm shiver maneuver.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. Athletic training apparatus for developing reflexes of football players comprising a support member including-a horizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member, a timing assembly on the support member including means for actuating the same and signal means activated after a predetermined increment of elapsed time, rst force-transmitting means operatively connected to the impact member including means permitting the signal means to be activated during the predetermined increment of elapsed time and preventing activation thereof after the period of elapsed time, lock means operatively connected to the actuating means of the timing assembly and said first force-transmitting means for permitting activation of said signal means during movement of the first force-transmitting means during the increment of elapsed time and preventing activation due to early engagement of the football player with the impact member prior to actuation of the timing assembly, and second force-transmitting means on the support member operatively connected to said lock means for engagement by a football player prior to engagement of the impact member permitting activation of the signal means.

2. Athletic training apparatus for developing reexes of football players comprising a support member including a horizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member, a timing assembly on the support member including means for actuating the same and signal means activated after a predetermined increment of elapsed time, irst force-transmitting means operatively connected to the impact member including means permitting the signal means to be activated during the predetermined increment of elapsed time and preventing activation thereof after the period of elapsed time, lock means operatively connected to the actuating means of the timing assembly and said first force-transmitting means for permitting activation of said signal means during movement of the rst force-transmitting means during the increment of elapsed time and preventing activation due to early engagement of the football player with the impact member prior to actuation of the timing assembly, second force-transmitting means on the support member operatively connected to said lock means for engagement by a football player prior to engagement of the impact member permitting activation of the signal means, and recording means operatively connected to the forcetransmitting means for determining the relative applied force imposed on the impact member by a football player.

3. Athletic training apparatus for developing reflexes of football players comprising a support member including a horizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member, a timing assembly on the support member including means for actuating the same and signal means activated after a predetermined increment of elapsed time, rst force-transmitting means operatively connected to the impact member including means permitting the signal means to be activated during the predetermined increment of elapsed time and preventing activation thereof after the period of elapsed time, lock means operatively connected to the actuating means of the timing assembly and said first force-transmitting means for permitting activation of said signal means during movement of the lirst force-transmitting means during the increment of elapsed time and preventing activation due to early engagement of the football player with the impact member prior to actuation of the timing assembly, and second force-transmitting means on the support member operatively connected to said lock means for engagement by a football player prior to engagement of the impact member permitting activation of the signal means, said timing means comprising a vertically adjustable support including a free falling striker element, the signal means comprising an audible signal device underlying the striker element, vertical adjustment of the support determining the increment of elapsed time, the actuating means including means for permitting the striker element to freely fall toward said audible signal device, the means on the first force-transmitting means permitting activation of the signal means comprising a baffle plate interpositionable between the striker element and the audible signal device.

4, Athletic training apparatus for developing reflexes 0f football players comprising a support member including a horizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member, a timing assembly on the support member including means for actuating the same and signal means activated after a predetermined increment of elapsed time, first force-transmitting means operatively connected to the impact member including means permitting the signal means to be activated during the predetermined increment of elapsed time and preventing activation thereof after the period of elapsed time, lock means operatively connected to the actuating means of the timing assembly and said first force-transmitting means for permitting activation of the said signal means during movement of the iirst force-transmitting means during the increment oi' elapsed time and preventing activation due to early engagement of the football player with the impact member prior to actuation of the timing assembly, second forcetransmitting means on the support member operatively connected to said lock means for engagement by a football player prior to engagement of the impact member pernii'tting activation of the signal means, said timing means comprisinC a vertically adjustable support including a free falling striker element, the signal means comprising an audible signal device underlying the striker element, vertical adjustment of the support determining the increment of elapsed time, the actuating means including means for permitting the striker element to freely fall toward said audible signal device, the means on the rst force-transmitting means permitting activation of the signal means comprising a bailie plate interpositionable between the striker element and the audible signal device, and recording means operatively connected to the force-transmitting means for determining the relative applied force imposed on the impact member by a football player.

5. Athletic training apparatus for developing reflexes of football players comprising a support member including a horizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member, a tin U assembly on the support member including means for Ntts-ating the same and signal means activated after a predetermined increment of elapsed time, first force-transmitting means operatively connected to the impact member including means permitting the signal means to be activated during the predetermined increment of elapsed time and preventing activation thereof after tbe period of elapsed time, lock means operatively connected to the actuating means of the timing assembly and said lirst force-transmitting means for permitting activation of said signal means during movement of the .first force-transmitting means during the increment of sed time and preventing activation due to early engagement of the football player with the impact member prior to actuation of the timing assembly, second torce-transmitting means on the support member operativ .y connected to said lock means for engagement by a football player prior to engagement of the impact member permitting activation of the signal means, and a secend horizontally-displaccable spring-supported impact member including force-transmitting means operatively engageable with the means of the rst force-transmitting means for permitting activation of the signal means and further permitting alternate use of either impact member by a football player.

Athletic training apparatus for developing reflexes of football players comprising a support member including a liorizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member, a timing assembly on the support member including means for actuating the same and signal means activated after a predetermined increment of elapsed time, rst force-transmitting means operatively connected to the impact member including means permitting the signal means to be activated during the predetermined increment' of elapsed time and preventing activation thereof after the period of elapsed time, lock means operatively connected to the actuating means of the timing assembly and said rst force-transmitting means for permitting activation of said signal means during movement of the first forcetransmitting means during the increment of elapsed time and preventing activation due to early engagement of the football player with the impact member prior to actuation of the timing assembly, second force-transmitting means on the support member operatively connected to said lock means for engagement by a football player pn'or to engagement of the impact member permitting activation of the signal means, a second horizontally-displaceable ng-supported impact member including force-transmitting means operatively engageable with the means of the first force-transmitting means for permitting activation of the signal means and further permitting alternate use of either impact member by a football player, and recording means operatively connected to the force-transmitted means of both impact members for determining the relative applied force imposed thereon.

7. Athletic training apparatus for developing reflexes of football players comprising a support member including a horizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member, a timing assembly on the support member in-- cluding means for actuating the same and signal means activated after a predetermined increment of elapsed time, first force-transmitting means operatively connected to the impact member including means permitting the signal means to be activated during the predetermined increment of elapsed time and preventing activation thereof after the period of elapsed time, lock means operatively connected to the actuating means of the timing assembly and said first force-transmitting means for permitting activation of said signal means during movement of the first force-transmitting means during the increment of elapsed time and preventing activation due to early engagement of the football player with the impact member prior to actuation of the timing assembly, second force-transmitting means on the support member operatively connected to said lock means for engagement by a football player prior to engagement of the impact member permitting activation of the signal means, and a second horizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member including force-transmitting means operatively engageable with the means of the first forcetransmitting means for permitting activation of the signal means and further permitting alternate use of either impact member by a football player, said timing means comprising a vertically adjustable support including a free falling striker element, the signal means comprising an audible signal device underlying the striker element, vertical adjustment of the support determining the increment of elapsed time, the actuating means including means for permitting the striker element to freely fall toward said audible signal device, the means on the first force-transmitting means permitting activation of the signal means comprising a bale plate interpositionable between the striker element and the audible signal device.

8. Athletic training apparatus for developing reexes of football players comprising a support member including a horizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member, a timing assembly on the support member including means for actuating the same and signal means activated after a predetermined increment of elapsed time, first force-transmitting means operatively connected to the impact member including means permitting the signal means to be activated during the predetermined increment of elapsed time and preventing activation thereof after the period of elapsed time, lock means operatively connected to the actuating means of the timing assembly and said first force-transmitting means for permitting activation of said signal means during movement 13 of the first force-transmitting means during the increment of elapsed time and preventing activation due to early engagement of the football player with the impact member prior to actuation of the timing assembly, sec ond force-transmitting means on the support member operatively connected to said lock means for engagement by a football player prior to engagement of the impact member permitting activation of the signal means, a second horizontally-displaceable spring-supported impact member including force-transmitting means operatively engageable with the means of the irst orcetransmitting means for permitting activation of the signal means and further permitting alternate use of either impact member by a football player, said timing means comprising a vertically adjustable support including a free falling striker element, the signal means comprising an audible signal device underlying the striker element, vertical adjustment of the support determining the increment of elapsed time, the actuating means including means for permitting the striker element to freely fall toward said audible signal device, the means on the rst force-transmitting means permitting activation of the signal means comprising a baHe plate interpositionable between the striker element and the audible signal device, and recording means operatively connected to the force-transmitting means of both impact members for determining the relative applied force imposed thereon.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNTED STATES PATENTS 

